People Power Party Submits Request for State Audit on 'Cheonghae Unit Mass Infection'

"Ministry of National Defense Inspection to End with Lenient Punishment"

On the 26th, Rep. Choo Kyung-ho of the People Power Party, along with Reps. Jeon Ju-hye and Shin Won-sik, submitted a "Request for a National Investigation to Uncover the Truth Behind the Group Infection Incident of the 34th Cheonghae Unit" at the National Assembly's Legislative Affairs Office. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jun-yi] The People Power Party has demanded a parliamentary investigation to uncover the truth behind the COVID-19 cluster infection incident in the Cheonghae Unit. They also questioned Defense Minister Seo Wook about his responsibility for the incident during a National Defense Committee meeting.

On the morning of the 26th, Chief Floor Leader Choo Kyung-ho, spokesperson Jeon Ju-hye, and lawmaker Shin Won-sik submitted a "Request for a Parliamentary Investigation into the Cheonghae Unit 34th Deployment Cluster Infection Incident" to the National Assembly Secretariat.

Before submitting the request, spokesperson Jeon stated in a commentary, "The People Power Party intends to thoroughly reveal why the Cheonghae Unit was neglected as if it were a unit without a country through a parliamentary investigation," adding, "We demand the immediate cooperation of the government and ruling party."

He cited distrust in the Ministry of National Defense’s inspection as a reason for requesting the parliamentary investigation. Spokesperson Jeon said, "Although the Ministry of National Defense claims to have launched an inspection, a 'self-investigation' will inevitably result in scapegoating, protecting their own, and lenient punishment."

Spokesperson Jeon pointed out the responsibilities of both the Ministry of National Defense and the Blue House regarding the cluster infection incident. He said, "The Ministry of National Defense brought this disaster upon itself through complacent judgment, delayed and inadequate response," and added, "Not a single vaccine was sent to the soldiers deployed far from home to protect the lives and safety of our people."

He also criticized the Blue House for being quick to shift responsibility. Spokesperson Jeon said, "President Moon Jae-in issued a bland apology lacking reflection, responsibility, and countermeasures?the 'three no's'?via SNS on the 23rd," and added, "He avoided responsibility as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and as the head of the national disaster control tower, using the public’s expectations as an excuse."

He emphasized once again, "We strongly urge the immediate dismissal of the Minister of National Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff who led their subordinates into a deadly situation."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.